Press Toward Jesus
Mark 3:7 – Then Jesus went away with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him. And from Judea, 8 – Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan River, and around Tyre and Sidon a great multitude came to him when they heard about the things he had done. 9 – Because of the crowd, he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him so the crowd would not press toward him. 10 – For he had healed many, so that all who were afflicted with diseases pressed toward him in order to touch him. 11 – And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 – But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.
I’m capturing this scene in my mind’s eye. Jesus. In the flesh. Was being overrun by people continually physically pressing towards Him. It’s as if people were so driven to be healed they had no interest in anything else Jesus had to do or say. Even the unclean spirits tried to add to the chaos by broadcasting Jesus’ identity – but Jesus wouldn’t have it. He had to create distance in order for the message of the gospel to be heard. So He got into a small boat and spoke to the people from there.
What was the message Jesus had to give? Go back to Mark 1:15 – He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!” – notice His message wasn’t – “come touch me and be healed!” People naturally wanted to do that – just like how we, today, when we are convinced of a good deal, will brave long lines and dense crowds just to get what we want. Jesus was willing to heal, but He was far more willing that people should find forgiveness, repentance, and salvation.
Let’s give the gospel a chance and believe. Through the Holy Spirit we can press toward Jesus in prayer by faith and He will not be overrun. We may not always be healed of our diseases, but the Scriptures provide this guarantee: He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is no greater deal under heaven. There is no other name but Jesus – by which we are saved. Let’s press together in prayer today!
Where two are gathered 